Wrist & Hand Pathologies Lecture 2 Flashcards
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
A chronic disease that involves recurrent inflammation resulting in damage to joints and soft tissues
Prevalence of RA
Approximately 0.24% of world population
Prevalence of RA amongst sex
Women are 3x more likely than men
What age is RA most likely to occur?
40-60 years old
Characteristics of joint findings in those with RA
Joint findings are typically symmetrical in the hands and feet
What parts of the muscles does RA commonly affect?
Commonly affects tendon sheaths
Subjective findings of RA (4/4)
Pain
Morning stiffness
Fatigue
Loss of function
Objecting findings of RA (pt 1: first 5 of 10 findings)
Heat Redness Swelling Ulnar drift Tendon crepitus
Objective findings of RA (pt 2: last 5 of 10 findings)
Swan-neck deformities Volar wrist subluxation Loss of grip (20 lbs for most ADLs) Loss of pinch (5-7 lbs for most ADLs) Loss of dexterity
Goals of management for RA (pt 1: first 4 of 7 goals)
Decrease pain
Decreasing swelling
Maintain joint mobility
Prevent or minimize joint deformity
Goals of management for RA (pt 2: last 3 of 7 goals)
Focus on joint systems rather than isolated joints
Consider health of the tissues in the hand generally
Maintain level of fitness
Medical management (early intervention) for RA
Medication (e.g. steroids)
4 methods of therapy intervention for RA
Orthoses
Exercise
Patient education
Possibly manual therapy
Orthoses use instructions for RA
As needed
The purpose of orthoses for RA
To stabilize painful joints and prevent further deformity development
